Computer-programmed telephone-enabled devices for processing and managing numerous simultaneous voice conversations conducted by an individual over a computer network and computer methods of implementing thereof

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a computer-implemented method, including: causing, by a specifically programmed computer call management communication system, to transform, over a computer network, computing devices of users, into corresponding specialized call management devices, by having each computing device to execute a specialized call management client software application being in electronic communication with the specifically programmed computer call management communication system over the computer network by utilizing SIP; where the specialized call management client software application generates specialized graphical user interfaces configured to allow each user to concurrently initiate and maintain, over the computer network, a plurality of voice communications of distinct types with other users, by, for example, allowing each user to independently and dynamically divert, in real-time, any voice communication of any type to any audio device associated with a corresponding specialized call management device of such user.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/926,342, entitled “COMPUTER-PROGRAMMED TELEPHONE-ENABLED DEVICES FORPROCESSING AND MANAGING NUMEROUS SIMULTANEOUS VOICE CONVERSATIONSCONDUCTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL OVER A COMPUTER NETWORK AND COMPUTER METHODSOF IMPLEMENTING THEREOF”, filed Oct. 29, 2015, which is a continuationof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/687,597, entitled“COMPUTER-PROGRAMMED TELEPHONE-ENABLED DEVICES FOR PROCESSING ANDMANAGING NUMEROUS SIMULTANEOUS VOICE CONVERSATIONS CONDUCTED BY ANINDIVIDUAL OVER A COMPUTER NETWORK AND COMPUTER METHODS OF IMPLEMENTINGTHEREOF”, filed Apr. 15, 2015, which claims the priority of U.S.provisional application No. 61/979,807, entitled “COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTEDSYSTEMS AND COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHODS FOR MANAGING A PLURALITY OFSIMULTANEOUS TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS CONDUCTED BY AN INDIVIDUAL,” filedApr. 15, 2014; and U.S. provisional application No. 62/022,859, entitled“COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED SYSTEMS AND COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHODS FORMANAGING A PLURALITY OF SIMULTANEOUS TELEPHONE CONVERSATIONS CONDUCTEDBY AN INDIVIDUAL,” filed Jul. 10, 2014, which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

In some embodiments, the instant invention is related tocomputer-programmed telephone-enabled devices for processing andmanaging numerous simultaneous voice conversations conducted by anindividual over a computer network, and computer methods of implementingthereof.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, in some instances, brokers/traders utilize hardwaredevices called turrets, that are equipped with microphones and speakersand that sit on the trader's desk awaiting various buttons to be pushedthat instruct the voice data where to be carried and how.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for acomputer-implemented method, including: causing, by a specificallyprogrammed computer call management communication system, to transform,over a computer network, a plurality of computing devices of a pluralityof users, into a corresponding plurality of specialized call managementdevices, by having each computing device to execute a specialized callmanagement client software application being in electronic communicationwith the specifically programmed computer call management communicationsystem over the computer network by utilizing at least a sessioninitiation protocol (SIP); where the specialized call management clientsoftware application, upon the execution, generates a plurality ofspecialized graphical user interfaces configured to allow each user ofthe plurality of users to concurrently initiate and maintain, over thecomputer network, a plurality of voice communications of distinct typeswith other users based, at least in part, on: maintaining each voicecommunication independent from another voice communication; generatingan individual visual control panel for each voice communication of theplurality of voice communications, where the individual visual controlpanel comprises: a plurality of visual audio device control icons whichare respectfully programmed, upon selection, to: i) independently anddynamically divert, in real-time, any voice communication of any type toany audio device associated with a corresponding specialized callmanagement device of such user; ii) independently manage, in real time,each voice communication by at least: 1) putting such voicecommunication on hold, 2) muting such voice communication, 3) unmutingsuch voice communication, 4) joining a particular voice communicationwith at least one other voice communication, 5) disjoining theparticular voice communication from the at least one other voicecommunication, 6) allowing independent interaction by each user with theparticular voice communication, and 7) enabling each user to select foreach voice communication a particular communication mode, where theparticular communication mode is one of a) a push-to-talk mode and b) acontinuous talk mode; where the individual visual control panel for eachvoice communication is configured to be detachable from a parent windowof the specialized call management client software application so thateach user can move the individual visual control panel to any locationon a screen of a respective specialized call management device; andwhere the plurality of voice communications comprise voicecommunications of at least one of the following connection types: i) adialed phone connection, ii) a Hoot connection, and iii) a Ringdownconnection.

In some embodiments, the exemplary computer-implemented method of thepresent invention further includes: encrypting, by the specialized callmanagement client software application, each voice communication of theplurality of voice communications.

In some embodiments, the exemplary computer-implemented method of thepresent invention further includes: tracking, in real-time, by thespecifically programmed computer call management communication system,the plurality of voice communications to generate call history and usestatistics on real-time basis; and causing to display, by thespecifically programmed computer call management communication system,at least one automatically updatable visual dashboard configured topresent the call history and the use statistics to an administratoruser.

In some embodiments, the exemplary computer-implemented method of thepresent invention further includes: transcribing, in real-time, by thespecialized call management client software application, each voicecommunication.

In some embodiments, the exemplary computer-implemented method of thepresent invention further includes: data mining, in real-time, by thespecifically programmed computer call management communication system,the transcribed voice communications based on at least onepre-determined parameter.

In some embodiments, the plurality of users are securities tradingprofessionals and where the at least one pre-determined parameter isassociated with at least one trading compliance requirement.

In some embodiments, the exemplary computer-implemented method of thepresent invention further includes: outputting, in real-time, by thespecialized call management client software application, the transcribedvoice communications of a particular time length into a chat box.

In some embodiments, the particular time length is between 5 and 30seconds.

In some embodiments, the exemplary specialized call management clientsoftware application is further programmed to: enable, each user, tocreate, in real-time, a group of users utilizing a plurality of Hootconnections; and broadcast, in real-time, at least one voicecommunication to the group of users utilizing the plurality of Hootconnections.

In some embodiments, the exemplary specialized call management clientsoftware application is further programmed to enable each user to switchbetween a minimized display of the plurality of specialized graphicaluser interfaces and a full-screen display of the plurality ofspecialized graphical user interfaces; where the minimized displayoccupies a portion of a screen of each respective specialized callmanagement device of a particular user; and where the full-screendisplay occupies the entire screen of such respective specialized callmanagement device of the particular user.

In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a specificallyprogrammed computer call management communication system, having atleast the following modules: at least one specialized serverspecifically programmed with specialized call management softwareapplication stored on a non-transient computer readable medium, wherethe specialized server, upon execution of the specialized callmanagement software application is configured to at least perform:causing to transform, over a computer network, a plurality of computingdevices of a plurality of users, into a corresponding plurality ofspecialized call management devices, by having each computing device toexecute a specialized call management client software application beingin electronic communication with the specifically programmed computercall management communication system over the computer network byutilizing at least a session initiation protocol (SIP); where thespecialized call management client software application, upon theexecution, generates a plurality of specialized graphical userinterfaces configured to allow each user of the plurality of users toconcurrently initiate and maintain, over the computer network, aplurality of voice communications of distinct types with other usersbased, at least in part, on: maintaining each voice communicationindependent from another voice communication; generating an individualvisual control panel for each voice communication of the plurality ofvoice communications, where the individual visual control panelcomprises: a plurality of visual audio device control icons which arerespectfully programmed, upon selection, to: i) independently anddynamically divert, in real-time, any voice communication of any type toany audio device associated with a corresponding specialized callmanagement device of such user; ii) independently manage, in real time,each voice communication by at least: 1) putting such voicecommunication on hold, 2) muting such voice communication, 3) unmutingsuch voice communication, 4) joining a particular voice communicationwith at least one other voice communication, 5) disjoining theparticular voice communication from the at least one other voicecommunication, 6) allowing independent interaction by each user with theparticular voice communication, and 7) enabling each user to select foreach voice communication a particular communication mode, where theparticular communication mode is one of a) a push-to-talk mode and b) acontinuous talk mode; where the individual visual control panel for eachvoice communication is configured to be detachable from a parent windowof the specialized call management client software application so thateach user can move the individual visual control panel to any locationon a screen of a respective specialized call management device; andwhere the plurality of voice communications comprise voicecommunications of at least one of the following connection types: i) adialed phone connection, ii) a Hoot connection, and iii) a Ringdownconnection.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be further explained with reference to theattached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by likenumerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the present invention. Further, somefeatures may be exaggerated to show details of particular components.

FIGS. 1-3B are diagrams of computer architecture showing some aspects ofsome embodiments of the present invention, such as electroniccommunication over a computer network, computing devices executingspecialized client applications, and specifically programmed networkservers.

FIG. 4-33 are screenshots illustrating various particular aspectsrelated to some embodiments of the present invention.

The figures constitute a part of this specification and includeillustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate variousobjects and features thereof. Further, the figures are not necessarilyto scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particularcomponents. In addition, any measurements, specifications and the likeshown in the figures are intended to be illustrative, and notrestrictive. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein;however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with thevarious embodiments of the invention which are intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive.

Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take themeanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearlydictates otherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment” and “in someembodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to the sameembodiment(s), though it may. Furthermore, the phrases “in anotherembodiment” and “in some other embodiments” as used herein do notnecessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, asdescribed below, various embodiments of the invention may be readilycombined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

It is understood that at least one aspect/functionality of variousembodiments described herein can be performed in real-time and/ordynamically. As used herein, the term “real-time” is directed to anevent/action can occur instantaneously or almost instantaneously in timewhen another event/action has occurred. In some embodiments, the terms“instantaneous,” “instantaneously,” “instantly,” and “in real time”refer to a condition where a time difference between a first time when arequest for confirmation of the user's identifying characteristic(s) istransmitted and a second time when a response to the request is receivedis no more than 1 minute. In some embodiments, the time differencebetween the request and the response is no more than 1 second. In someembodiments, the time difference between the request and the response isbetween less than 1 second and 1 minute.

As used herein, the term “dynamic(ly)” is directed to an event/actionthat can occur without any human intervention. In some embodiments, thedynamic event/action may be in real-time, hourly, daily, weekly,monthly, etc.

Illustrative Examples of Cloud Telecom Infrastructure

In some embodiments, the terms “SoftPhone,” “soft client telephone,”“soft telephone client,” and “Trader Voice Box” are utilized herein toidentify the inventive software/hardware implementations in accordancewith the present invention which provide a set of voice communicationcapabilities to allow individuals/users, such as, but not limited to,brokers and/or traders, to communicate with one another over secure,recorded lines that span the globe.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the present inventionutilizes a Voice Over IP (VoIP) technology applications, leveraging“cloud” telecom (telecomputing) and storage capabilities. In someembodiments, the present invention enables individuals (e.g., globalfinancial market participants) to rapidly set up and instantly speak onprivate, secure voice networks without hardware. In some embodiments,communication takes place using a downloadable software client that isinstalled on the user's PC connecting over the internet into aprovider's cloud telecom infrastructure. In some embodiments, as shownin FIGS. 3A and 3B, the specially programmed computer system(s) of thepresent invention utilizes multi-thread processing and utilizes multipleSIP channels over a cloud computing architecture to allow users tolaunch dozens of conversations simultaneously.

In some embodiments, the inventive systems of the present invention canutilize Java, with platform specific native functionality and can bedeployed across Windows, Mac and Linux PCs. In some embodiments, theinventive systems of the present invention can utilize communicationstandards based Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) functionality in orderto provide communication functionality (e.g., voice and video calls)between users.

In some embodiments of the present invention, each conversation remainsindependent of one another allowing the user to put them on hold, groupthem together, and/or interact with them one-by-one. In someembodiments, the present invention can offer at least two capabilitiesfor conversations to take place: 1) in a push-to-talk mode and 2) acontinuous mode. In some embodiments of the present invention, thepush-to-talk mode can be utilized by individuals (e.g., brokers, activetraders) as way to conduct the short burst of conversations for a fastpace information exchange. In some embodiments of the present invention,the user can utilize the “continuous mode” to conduct a more lengthyconversation. In some embodiments, the inventive systems of the presentinvention allow users to switch a call, while in progress, frompush-to-talk to continuous mode and vice versa. In some embodiments, theinventive systems of the present invention allow users to haveconversations in push-to-talk mode to occur on a device such as aspeaker and microphone so that their colleagues around them can hear thedialogue as well. In some embodiments, the inventive systems of thepresent invention allow the users to have conversations, which are incontinuous mode, to occur on a separate device, such as a USB headset,so that privacy is maintained.

In some embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIG. 4, the inventive systems ofthe present invention offer the users the ability to call numerouspeople at the same time (e.g., at least 12) and to categorize eachcall/conversation on the fly, in real-time, as “push-to-talk” or as“continuous” mode. In some embodiments of the present invention, thecall mode can be changed during the call. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, depending on the call mode, voice is routed to theaudio device the user has specified should receive and emit that voicedata. In some embodiments, the inventive systems of the presentinvention allow the users to set up and maintain their audio profilepreferences.

Illustrative Examples of Creating an Outgoing Call

SIP Call Process

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 5, an instance of the specializedsoftware programmed in accordance with the present invention transformsa user's computing devices (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop,smartphone, etc.) into the inventive soft client telephone of theinstant invention which can establish a call with one of many otherinventive soft clients of other users and a series of standardinstructions are passed back and forth between two users using areal-time transport protocol (RTP) such as the session initiatedprotocol (SIP) documented in RFC 5359(https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc5359) whose description, includingdescriptions of any associated RFC SIP protocols identified in RFC 5359,are incorporated herein by reference for such purpose.

Illustrative Examples of Trader Voice Box: Concurrent CallsFunctionality

Creating Concurrent Calls

In some embodiments of the present invention, each call created triggersits own thread of resources on a modern PC. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, each inventive call box is replicated on separatethreads, simply by duplicating the current thread each time the requestto establish a new call was invoked. In some embodiments, by spawningcall functions on to separate threads, the inventive systems of thepresent invention allow the users to utilize a technique similar to“copy paste” to create dozens of concurrent calls at once.

In some embodiments, the inventive systems of the present invention,such as the Trader Voice Box, allow users to conduct, for example, asshown in FIG. 6, 5 different encrypted calls that are concurrentlyoccurring. In some embodiments, the inventive systems of the presentinvention allow a user to have, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, and/or 15 separate, security encrypted phone calls atthe same time with none of the opposite callers being aware. In someembodiments, these phone calls of FIG. 6 are agnostic as to particularaudio device(s), and be, real-time, reassigned between audio devices(speaker 1, speaker 2, audio jack 1, audio jack 2, etc.).

Illustrative Examples of Dynamic Audio Routing Functionality

In some embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the inventivesystems of the present invention allow to manage, for example, numerousconcurrent calls (e.g., 5 concurrent calls of FIG. 6), where (1) eachcall requires the audio in & audio out to occur over the same exactaudio port and/or (2) there are multiple audio devices connected to acomputing device that a user uses (e.g., a PC, smartphone, tablet,etc.). In some embodiments, the inventive systems of the presentinvention can detect multiple audio devices plugged into the computingdevice and allow the users to dynamically switch calls between audiodevices with one click. You can use multiple audio devices at the sametime. In some embodiments, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, users canset up different audio devices for phone calls to external contacts andDirect Connections Hoots (e.g., there is a permanent open circuitbetween two or more parties) and Ringdowns (e.g., one-way and ortwo-ways automatic ringdown circuits).

FIG. 8 illustrates some embodiments of the present invention, thefollowing procedure can be, for example, used: Trader Voice Boxtools>options>audio. In some embodiments of the present invention, auser is able to set multiple USB audio device profiles, which allowsconcurrent sounds to be assigned to specific devices rather than allsound going in and out the same device. In some embodiments, thespecifically programmed computer system, residing at servers in thecloud architecture, or specifically programmed soft phone clients, orboth, are configured/programmed to automatically transcribed allconversions in real-time and subject the resulting voice transcriptiondata to data mining based predetermined keywords, concepts, library ofterms, etc. (for example, for purposes of trading compliancemonitoring). In some embodiments of the present invention, asillustrated in FIG. 9, when a call rings, the user can accept that callon Audio device 1, 2 or 3 which makes it much easier for the user tocommunicate with the concurrent calls already in place. In someembodiments of the present invention, for an incoming call, a user canselect which audio device to pick up the call on.

FIG. 10 illustrates some embodiments in which the inventive systems ofthe present invention allow the user, during the call, to transfer thecaller from one audio device to another and back making the audiorouting dynamic.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, the inventive systems of thepresent invention recognize multiple audio devices and route audio inand audio out, concurrently, across multiple devices at the same time.For example, in FIG. 11, Device 1 can be Jabra 410s Speaker/Microphone,Device 2 can be Logitech 540 Headset, and Device 3 can be Eco LogicHandset. In some embodiments, the assignment of particular audiodevice(s) to a particular telephone conversation can be set utilizing anaudio profile functionality of the invention soft telephone client(e.g., as shown in FIG. 13).

Illustrative Examples of Hot Key Push to Talk Functionality

In some embodiments, the inventive systems/methods of the presentinvention offer a software-based solution for “push to talk” orwalk-talkie like functionality. In some embodiments, the inventivesystems of the present invention offer a software programmedfunctionality that enables a user to place a call and to then put thatcall in “push-to-talk” mode by using, for example, keyboard shortcut(s).In some embodiments, the inventive systems of the present inventionoffer a software functionality that essentially turns the user'skeyboard into a walkie-talkie. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12,the inventive systems of the present invention allow the user todynamically switch from the push-to-talk mode to the continuous mode atthe stroke of a preprogrammed key. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the user clicks the “speaker” icon in the bottom left handcorner to toggle on “push-to-talk.” In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the user pushes down the hot key shown in the top rightcorner, such as F1, to “shout down” to the caller on the other end. Insome embodiments of the present invention, once the F1 button isreleased, the line is muted, while the user awaits a response from theircounterparty.

In some embodiments, the inventive systems of the present inventionallow the user to configure the caller's mode on the fly and can bedynamically changed again and again instantly, as well as be routedacross different audio devices instantly and/or concurrently.

As shown in figures (screenshots), for the financial applications, theinventive systems/methods of the present invention can utilize the shownexemplary process for users to download, install, and launch the TraderVoice Box Virtual Private Network (VPN) which is an exemplary systemprogrammed in accordance with the present invention.

In some embodiments, the inventive systems/methods of the presentinvention utilize at least a two-factor authentication that can includeat least: 1) a user will receive an email with the two-factorauthentication QR code to generate an access key; 2) a user can downloadthe Google Authenticator from the App Store or Play Store depending on asmart phone device; and/or 3) the two factor authentication is availableas an extra security measure upon a specific request.

In some embodiments, the user utilizes user credentials and access keyto log in. In some embodiments of the present invention, an access keywill change at a predetermined time intervals (e.g., every 30 seconds).In some embodiments of the present invention, an access key is notrequired and is available as an extra security measure upon a specificrequest.

In some embodiments, the inventive systems of the present inventionallow the user to change the sound options by clicking correspondingoptions in software tools programmed in accordance with the presentinvention. In some embodiments of the present invention, a user can havedifferent audio devices setup for each of calls/connections. In someembodiments of the present invention, the user can setup audio deviceprofiles by, for example, selecting which device the user wants to usefor a private connection(s) and/or a public call(s). In some embodimentsof the present invention, to make a call and/or a private connection,the user can double click on the contact the user wishes to call. Insome embodiments of the present invention, to make a public call, a userclicks on the phone icon and the dial pad will appear.

Illustrative Examples of Setting Up the Inventive Systems/Methods of thePresent Invention (e.g., Trader Voice Box)

Illustrative System Requirements

In some embodiments of the present invention, the inventive soft clientof the present invention can be executed on the following minimal systemrequirements: Windows b7 (x86 or x64), WASAPI installed, modern CPU, 2GB RAM, 200 MB free hard disk space, integrated or external sound card,PC speakers and microphone, and Java virtual machine.

In some embodiments of the present invention, to login to the inventivesystems of the present invention, a user is required to enter an emailaddress and the password created.

In some embodiments of the present invention, to setup an account and/orupdate a user profile page, the user can enter at least the followingdata: first name, last name, email, external phone 1 and/or externalphone 2. In some embodiments, the inventive systems of the presentinvention utilize of the present invention, click the validate andsubmit button.

In some embodiments of the present invention, an instance of theinventive soft telephone client (e.g., the exemplary application TraderVoice Box) can start either manually or be set-up to start automatically(e.g., at booting, at a set time, at a certain trigger occurs, etc.). Insome embodiments, an instance of the inventive soft telephone client(e.g., the exemplary application Trader Voice Box) can alsoautomatically establish (e.g., dial-up) or re-establish at start-upand/or at pre-determined time and/or at predetermined triggeroccurrence, or any combination thereof, one or more telephoneconversations without any human interaction (e.g., based on a defaultlist of contacts).

As shown in FIGS. 14-15, in some embodiments, the inventive specificallyprogrammed computer system of the present invention is programmed toprovide a specifically programmed real-time automatically updatable,virtual network-based management portal (for example, referenced hereinas “Dashboard”) to monitor and administer users' (e.g., subordinates)activity within the system (e.g., telephone conversations activity). Forexample, the Dashboard can provide specific information and statisticsabout at least one of the following, but not limited to: users, activeusers (e.g., active brokers), user contacts, companies, call recordingand/or static contact, user growth. In some embodiments, the Dashboardis configured to provide various information/statistics such as, but notlimited to, a view of who is on the call(s), callers' numbers and/ornames, listen in on a call, etc. In some embodiments, the Dashboard isconfigured to be used in real-time productivity and/or compliancesurveying and is configured to allow the administrator to take action(s)regarding any activity such as, but not limited to, interrupt a call,join the call, send a message to call's participant(s), print and/orelectronically share transcript of call(s) in real-time as it beingrecorded, etc.

As shown in FIGS. 14-15, in some embodiments of the present invention,administrator-user can filter the user growth by at least followingtypes: 1) grouped and/or 2) stacked. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, a user hovers his/her mouse cursor over the color bar, andspecific user role growth information will pop up.

In some embodiments of the present invention, information aboutcompanies can be accessed through any one of several Company sub-menuitems of the inventive soft telephone client to perform the following,but not limited to: show companies, add new companies, show companiestypes, and/or add company type, or any combination thereof. In someembodiments of the present invention, the inventive soft telephoneclient provides a company list that contains information about companiessuch as company ID, company name, company short name, and company type.In some embodiments of the present invention, a user can edit companyinformation or remove company from the list. In some embodiments of thepresent invention, a user can filter 10, 25, 50, and/or 100 records perlist, but is not limited to. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the inventive soft telephone client allows a user to searchspecific company based on entering at least one keyword.

In some embodiments, the inventive computer system and soft telephoneclients of the present invention allow a user to perform the following,but not limited to: access a call recording report, listen individualrecording(s), electronically import/export/share record(s).

In some embodiments, the inventive computer system can provide across-platform functionality, allowing using the inventive softtelephone client across various computing devices (e.g., PCs,smartphones, tablets, etc.) but utilizing a single user account. In someembodiments, each user can set-up a personalized profile having theuser's personal information (e.g., name, company, phone #, etc.); andthe “device” setup. In some embodiments of the present invention, eachuser can only need a single device, which will work across multiple PCs.In some embodiments of the present invention, the user is allowed,utilizing the specifically programmed soft telephone client, to enterthe user's device information (e.g., device, name, password, type, etc.)for each device.

In some embodiments of the present invention, an administrator-user,utilizing, for example, the Dashboard functionality, can edit, suspend,and/or remove a user, and/or assign a role (e.g., broker, trader,compliance, administrator) to the user. In some embodiments, theinventive systems of the instant invention then utilized the role datato restrict/allow users to perform certain activities with the inventivesoft telephone client(s) and/or the inventive computer system(s).

In some embodiments of the present invention, the inventive softtelephone client(s) and/or the inventive computer system(s) arespecifically programmed to display relationship(s) between the users(e.g., the relationship between a user A and a user B). In someembodiments of the present invention, the inventive computer system(s)can assign a numeric value to a particular relationship type; andutilize numeric values to rank, classify, and/or organize users andtheir data (e.g., profiles) within networked, distributed databases thatprocess and store such information.

In some embodiments, the illustrative Trader Voice Box can be aJava-based VoIP software designed for voice chat. In some embodiments,as shown in FIG. 5 and detailed above, the inventive systems of thepresent invention can offer one or more of the following features, butare not limited to: SIP-based architecture integrating with industrystandard SIP-enabled PBX's, reduced back room, multi-party line sharing,full-duplex conferencing, up to eight speaker channels per module,support for private lines (ARD/MRD), supports hoot n' holler circuits,line monitor and talkback, intelligent pagination, optional voicerecording, comprehensive set of embedded security features, and/ordevice management via an integral HTTP server or speakerbus'browser-based centralized management system, utilizing real timeprotocol (SbRTP) packet technology.

In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephone client(s) and/or theinventive computer system(s) of the present invention are programmed toaccess converged networks which allows to improved customer service andincreased employee productivity without sacrificing quality andusability. For example, in some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client(s) and/or the inventive computer system(s) of thepresent invention are programmed to have a channel capacity of, but notlimited to and/or restricted to: 10 simultaneous call types (telephony,ARD, MRD, and hoot n' holler), 8 speaker channels (all call types),and/or 6 party conferences (no additional conference equipmentrequired). In some embodiments of the present invention, call types caninclude at least one of any of the following features: telephony, hootn' holler, and/or private line—ARD (private line automatic ring down) orMRD (manual ring down).

In some embodiments of the present invention, input and output devicescan include at least one of any of the following features, but is notlimited to: 1× gooseneck microphone (noise canceling), 2× handsetsmomentary latching (noise canceling), 1× hands-free full duplexmicrophone, and/or 1× speaker with up to 8 mixed channels.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the inventive softtelephone client(s)' features can include at least one of any of thefollowing features, but are not limited to: Avaya communications managerenterprise class features, intelligent pagination with 100 pages with upto 64 entries (max 600 entries) per page, 30 dedicated fixedfunction/hard keys, 24 soft keys (including up to 8× speaker channels),8 independent channel volume controls (1 per speaker channel), mastervolume control, support for barge-in and privacy on private lines andtelephony, support for programmable paginating and non-paginating keys,style based visual architecture, 32 alert profiles, multiple speakermuting options, private directory with up to 600 entries, line labelingup to 40 characters, single and double line styling, 16 programmablecolor styles, and/or inbound caller ID matching and display.

In some embodiments of the present invention, recording features caninclude at least one of any of the following features, but is notlimited to: 3 configurable IP recording streams (per iD808), and/or calldetailed record (per iD808).

In some embodiments of the present invention, network requirementfeatures can include at least one of any of the following features, butare not limited to: network 100 base-tx (full duplex), IP addressing:dynamic or static, DNA support: Microsoft dynamic domain name system,voice LAN: multicast network utilizing IGMP and supporting SbRTP, voiceWAN: unicast network supporting UDP, and/or other supported networkprotocols: Ethernet, IPv4, DHCP, TCP/IP, DNS & SNMP.

In some embodiments of the present invention, signaling features caninclude at least one of any of the following features, but are notlimited to: SIP (RFC 3261)—SIP extensions of Avaya; audio compression onthe WAN: G.711 PCM 3.4 KHZ A-law/U-law, G.722 (48K), G.729 AnnexA-CS-ACELP; transmission protocol on LAN: speakerbus real time protocol(SbRTP) enhanced-7 KHZ voice bandwidth (adjustable packet sizes 1 ms, 2ms, and 4 ms); bandwidth utilization per LAN stream (not includingEthernet pre-amble) between 416K/bits to 836K/bits (dependent uponpacket size configuration—when voice activity detection is enabled);typical latency over LAN 6 ms (using 1 ms packet sizes); max packet loss5-7%; and/or bandwidth utilization per WAN stream between 18K/bits to96K/bits (dependent upon packet size and voice compressionconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the inventive systems/methods of the presentinvention utilizes quality of service (QoS) functionality that caninclude at least one of any of the following features, but are notlimited to: bandwidth optimization techniques: VAD (Voice ActivityDetection); and/or diffserv (RFC 2474)—type of service fieldconfigurable.

In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephone client(s) and/or theinventive computer system(s) of the present invention are programmed tooffer at least one of any of the following features, but are not limitedto: browser based centralized management application, embedded userconfigurable menus, simple network management protocol (SNMP) traps,supporting, for example, cold start, linkdown, linkup and authenticationfailure, and/or upgradeable operating firmware.

In some embodiments of the present invention, voice characteristics ofaudio devices can include at least one of any of the following features:voice frequency range 50 Hz-7 KHz, microphone sensitivity 63+/− or 3 dB,and/or loudspeaker output 2W RMS.

In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephone client(s) of thepresent invention can function on computing devices that include atleast one of the following, but is not limited to: 2× switched networkinterface 10/100 BaseT Ethernet auto sensing ports (RJ45 sockets), 2×handset interface ports (RJ11 sockets), 1×USB 2.0 interface Type A(host), 1× USB 2.0 interface type B (peripheral), 8 Pin mini din comport (reserved for use by speakerbus), and/or 2.5 mm DC outlet socket.

In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephone client(s) of thepresent invention can be programmed to utilize at least one audio deviceoption. In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephone client(s) ofthe present invention can be programmed to utilize up to at least threedifferent hardware devices for a user's connections. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client(s) of the presentinvention can be programmed to utilize up to at least four differenthardware devices for a user's connections. In some embodiments, theinventive soft telephone client(s) of the present invention can beprogrammed to utilize up to at least five different hardware devices fora user's connections. In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephoneclient(s) of the present invention can be programmed to utilize up to atleast six different hardware devices for a user's connections. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client(s) of the presentinvention can be programmed to utilize up to at least seven differenthardware devices for a user's connections. In some embodiments, theinventive soft telephone client(s) of the present invention can beprogrammed to utilize up to at least eight different hardware devicesfor a user's connections. In some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client(s) of the present can be programmed to utilize up to atleast nine different hardware devices for a user's connections. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client(s) of the presentinvention can be programmed to utilize up to at least ten differenthardware devices for a user's connections. In some embodiments, theinventive soft telephone client(s) of the present invention can beprogrammed to utilize up to at least twenty different hardware devicesfor a user's connections. In some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client(s) of the present invention can be programmed to allowuse of multiple (e.g., at least two, at least three, at least four, atleast five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine,at least ten, at least twenty, etc.) audio devices concurrently.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 19, the inventive specificallyprogrammed soft telephone client of the present invention provides afunctionality to test the audio setup and if hardware is successfullyconnected. In some embodiments, the test call is configured not to ring.In some embodiments, the test call can show the user a messageconfirming connection. In an embodiment, the user can speak while a testcall has been activated and the test call will echo the user's speech.

In some embodiments, each audio device can be selected for use forinternal and/or external connections. In some embodiments, the inventivespecifically programmed soft telephone client of the present inventionis configured to allow a user to make internal and/or externalconnections (i.e., calls). In some embodiments, an internal contact is asecond user of the present invention and resides on the same network asthe first user (e.g., the first and the second users are employees ofthe same company). In some embodiments, an external contact is a seconduser that does not reside on the same network as the first user (e.g.,the first and the second users are employees of different companies). Insome embodiments, at least one external and/or internal contact uses aregular telephone or a hardware turret. In some embodiments, at leastone external and/or internal contact uses the inventive specificallyprogrammed soft telephone client of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 18B, a user selects one out of three buttons having 1-3numbers to select a particular audio device to perform at least one ofthe seven identified activities such as (1) initiating numerous internaland/or external connections at the same time, utilizing, for example, alist of user's contacts (e.g., a second connection, a third connection,a fourth connection, a fifth connection, a sixth connection, a seventhconnection, an eighth connection, a ninth connection, a tenthconnection, a twentieth connection, etc.); (2) designating a device toanswer and/or decline calls; (3) merging or unmerging/removingsimultaneous internal and/or external connections (e.g., at least twoconnections, at least three connections, at least four connections, atleast five connections, at least six connections, at least sevenconnections, at least eight connections, at least nine connections, atleast ten connections, at least twenty connections, etc.); (4)maintaining a first call/connection separately but concurrently with atleast a second connection/call; (5) mute/unmute sound, (6) pin at leastone call window to a user's desktop, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 20, the present invention allows auser to group and/or merge at least two connections. In someembodiments, the present invention allows a user to group and/or mergeat least three connections. In some embodiments, the present inventionallows a user to group and/or merge at least four connections. In someembodiments, the present invention allows a user to group and/or mergeat least five connections. In some embodiments, the present inventionallows a user to group and/or merge at least six connections. In someembodiments, the present invention allows a user to group and/or mergeat least seven connections. In some embodiments, the present inventionallows a user to group and/or merge at least eight connections. In someembodiments, the present invention allows a user to group and/or mergeat least nine connections. In some embodiments, the present inventionallows a user to group and/or merge at least ten connections. In someembodiments, the present invention allows a user to group and/or mergeat least twenty connections. In some embodiment, a user can mute orunmute sound by using a pre-programmed icon.

In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention is configured to automatically answer at least oneconnection/call. In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephoneclient of the present invention is configured to automatically answer atleast two connections/calls. In some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client of the present invention is configured to automaticallyanswer at least three connections/calls. In some embodiments, theinventive soft telephone client of the present invention is configuredto automatically answer at least four connections/calls. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention is configured to automatically answer at least fiveconnections/calls. In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephoneclient of the present invention is configured to automatically answer atleast six connections/calls. In some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client of the present invention is configured to automaticallyanswer at least seven connections/calls. In some embodiments, theinventive soft telephone client of the present invention is configuredto automatically answer at least eight connections/calls. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention is configured to automatically answer at least nineconnections/calls. In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephoneclient of the present invention is configured to automatically answer atleast ten connections/calls. In some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client of the present invention is configured to automaticallyanswer at least twenty connections/calls.

In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention is configured to permit a user to hide at least one offlineand/or external contact. In some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client of the present invention is configured to permit a userto hide at least two offline and/or external contacts. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention is configured to permit a user to hide at least three offlineand/or external contacts. In some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client of the present invention is configured to permit a userto hide at least four offline and/or external contacts. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention is configured to permit a user to hide at least five offlineand/or external contacts. In some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client of the present invention is configured to permit a userto hide at least six offline and/or external contacts. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention is configured to permit a user to hide at least seven offlineand/or external contacts. In some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client of the present invention is configured to permit a userto hide at least eight offline and/or external contacts. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention is configured to permit a user to hide at least nine offlineand/or external contacts. In some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client of the present invention is configured to permit a userto hide at least ten offline and/or external contacts. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention is configured to permit a user to hide at least twenty offlineand/or external contacts.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the inventive soft telephoneclient of the present invention is configured to allow a user to addand/or remove one or more (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20, etc.) internaland/or external contacts when initiating a group call/connection(s).

As shown in FIG. 22, in some embodiments, the inventive soft telephoneclient of the present invention is configured to allow a user to pinactive call(s)/connection(s) to (e.g., at least one, at least two, atleast three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven,at least eight, at least nine, at least ten, at least twenty, etc.)specific area on the user's desktop. In some embodiments, the pinnedcall(s)/connection(s) (e.g., at least one, at least two, at least three,at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at leasteight, at least nine, at least ten, at least twenty, etc.) is/areconfigured to appear at the same location on the user's desktop. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention is configured to permit a user to pin thecall(s)/connection(s) window to the desktop, wherein thecall(s)/connection(s) window is active, inactive groupcall(s)/connection(s), and/or a single call/connection. In someembodiments of the present invention, once a call(s)/connection(s)window is pinned, an icon (e.g., a push-pin) can be programmed to changecolor.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 23A-23B, the inventive computersystems and client(s) of the present invention are configured to record,track, store, display, associate/tag, electronically share, andreal-time analyze call(s)/connection(s) recordings for purposes such ascompliance with regulation(s) and/or law(s). In some embodiments, theinventive computer systems and client(s) of the present invention areprogrammed to allow call recording to be searched based on keywordsand/or concepts.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 21, the present invention isconfigured to permit a user to manage at least one group. In anembodiment, the present invention allows a user to add at least onecontact list group. In an embodiment, the present invention allows auser to add at least two contact list groups. In an embodiment, thepresent invention allows a user to add at least three contact listgroups. In an embodiment, the present invention allows a user to add atleast four contact list groups. In an embodiment, the present inventionallows a user to add at least five contact list groups. In anembodiment, the present invention allows a user to add at least sixcontact list groups. In an embodiment, the present invention allows auser to add at least seven contact list groups. In an embodiment, thepresent invention allows a user to add at least eight contact listgroups. In an embodiment, the present invention allows a user to add atleast nine contact list groups. In an embodiment, the present inventionallows a user to add at least ten contact list groups. In an embodiment,the present invention allows a user to add at least twenty contact listgroups.

In some embodiments, each contact list group can be made out of internalcontact(s), external contact(s), or both.

As shown in FIG. 24, in some embodiments, the inventive computersystem(s) and/or the inventive soft telephone client(s) of the presentinvention are/is configured to periodically or continuously transcribe,in real time, voice communications taken place over theconnections/calls. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 24, in thefinancial trading environment, the inventive computer system(s) and/orthe inventive soft telephone client(s) of the present invention can beprogrammed to identify/data mine based, at least in part, on certainfinancial terms which may occur in the recording speech or inreal-time-fed speech. For example, the inventive computer system(s)and/or the inventive soft telephone client(s) of the present inventioncan be programmed to identify when “bid” and/or “offer” are spoken bytraders and at least one of: (1) separately record both sets of valuesin a database for future compliance and/or performance analysis (e.g.,identify the best bid(s) and/or offer(s)); and/or (2) perform real-timecompliance enforcement and/or productivity feedback as the recording(s)being recorded.

FIGS. 25A-25D are exemplary diagrams which illustrate graphical userinterfaces having various functionalities of the inventive softtelephone client(s) in accordance with some embodiments of the presentinvention. For example, regarding FIG. 25A, item 2501 is a Menu bar;item 2502 is a programmed button for call forwarding; item 2503 is aprogrammed “Listen To Recordings” button which takes a user to a callrecording screen/portal; item 2504 is a programmed “Voicemail Indicator& Missed Call” button; items 2505 are programmed detachable tabs (Phone,History, Directs, Chat); item 2506 is a programmed button tocollapse/minimize a dial pad box, item 2507 is a programmed box forentering/displaying phone numbers and search values; item 2508 is aprogrammed button to launch a window/portal for adding contact(s); item2509 is a programmed box for real-time search through address book; item2510 is a programmed button to access call voicemail; items 2511 areprogrammed tabs per each participant of a call; items 2511 are six fixedprogrammed call panels/boxes which are open, disconnected as a PBX callis made, next available call box becomes active connection (call boxesare static and contained within the inventive soft telephone client);item 2513 is a programmed button launching a window/portal for addingand/or editing an address book; item 2514 is a programmed box showingcontacts in the address book; and item 2515 is a programmed scrollingthrough the address book's entries.

For example, FIG. 25B shows an exemplary panel for viewing call history,displaying outbound, inbound, and missed calls; each programmed “Icon”button allows to redial the corresponding number. In some embodiments,calls can also be place by clicking on a phone number itself.

For example, regarding FIG. 25C, item 2517 is a programmed “Blast”button for blasting those in active “Blast Group” (e.g., broadcasting amessage, speaking to all at the same time); item 2518 is a programmedbutton launching a window/portal for include in a Blast Group; items2519 are ten fixed programmed Shout downs” call panels/boxes containedwithin the client; item 2520 is a placeholder for an image such as, butnot limited to, a company's logo, user's avatar/picture; item 2521 is aprogrammed workspace of the inventive soft telephone client which can besaved; hotkeys can be pre-assigned; after user's login, the workspacecan automatically connect to pre-selected contacts (e.g., last calledcontacts), including connecting to TDM turrets (if a user or Turret isunavailable, connection should reattempt every N minute until, forexample, user clicks a “stop” button on the call box); and item 2522 isa programmed Search Directory which, for example, can contain everyCompany name that is on a network or any affiliated partner's network;connections to companies can be color coded such as a “green” connectioncan be double clicked and added to next available call box, and/orassigned to a particular hot key; a “red” boxes require the user tocontact support so that a permission for the connection is given.

For example, regarding FIG. 25D, item 2523 is a programmed CHATfunctionality (e.g., Yahoo, Aim, SIP, etc.). In some embodiments, eachchat conversation has its own tab launched. Further, regarding FIG. 25D,items 2524 are CHAT tabs for each chat conversation; item 2525 is aprogrammed CHAT Screen that contain the parties involved and theconversation taking place; item 2526 is a placement of a timestamp foreach chat conversation; item 2527 is a programmed CHAT box for enteringchat text and symbols (e.g., emoticons); and item 2528 is a programmedCHAT contact list box.

In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephone clients and theinventive computer systems of the present invention are programmed fortranscription of the entries in the chat window (2523). For example, auser can “hoot” another user via the inventive computer systems of thepresent invention and the transcribed text is sent as a chat message bythe inventive soft telephone client of such user. In some embodiments,this functionality allows the users (e.g., traders) to be brought up tospeed quickly on what they missed by reading the transcribed textmessages when the users step away from their desk for a period of time.In some embodiments, chat messages are brief “hoots” of 5 to 30 secondsof voice. In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephone client ofthe present invention is programmed to allow the user to customizenotifications based on keywords showing up in the chat window. Forexample if a user receives a transcribed hoot with the words “Bid”,“Ask”, “Trades,” the user may customize his/her notifications to play asound and/or flash yellow.

FIG. 26 shows a screenshot of another exemplary desktop of the inventivesoft telephone client of the instant invention. For example, regardingexemplary desktop of FIG. 26, the user can access/launch a Call Historywindow/portal (FIG. 27) by selecting a “Call History” option under a“File” dropdown Menu option. In some embodiments, the call history ofFIG. 27 includes date-headed segments detailing the call history. Forexample, the Search History field (2701) allows for filtering by callparticipant name or number. In some embodiments, the inventive softtelephone client of the instant invention is programmed to allowaccessing the Call History from the File Menu or by clicking the “Call”icon (2601, to the right of the voice mail indicator) (FIG. 26). In someembodiments, by double-clicking on the row showing the call (FIG. 27) orclicking on a “CALL” button will initiate a new call and/or play therecording of the past call.

Referring to FIG. 26, items 2602-2604 are detachable tabs for selectingvisual panels having particular functionalities of the inventive softtelephone client(s) and the inventive computer systems of the presentinvention.

Phone Tab (Item 2603)

Under the Phone Tab are two panels: Dial Pad (2605) and Contact List(2606). For example, a user can show/hide the contact list of thesepanels by clicking the—button on the left of the panel.

Dial Pad (2605)

The Search box lets the user to search for a contact. In someembodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention executes the search as the user types, with the resultsdisplayed in the area on the right. Clicking on a result highlights it;clicking “CALL” with the result highlighted initiates the call.

In some embodiments, the user's favorite contacts are displayed next tothe dial pad. In some embodiments, the user needs to configure userfavorites. In some embodiments, the user can type full phone numbersinto the Search box or click buttons on the keypad. In some embodiments,the keypad arrow functions as a backspace and the Voice Mail key dialsthe user's voice mail number.

Contact List (2606)

In some embodiments, the Contact List (2606) displays contacts that theuser added. By clicking on a contact name, the inventive soft telephoneclient of the present invention displays a list of numbers to dial. Byclicking on the letter buttons to the right of the Contact Listnavigates to names starting with that letter.

Active Call Window (FIG. 28)

FIG. 26 shows a screenshot of an exemplary active call window of theinventive soft telephone client in accordance with some embodiments ofthe present invention (a user can can have multiple connections at thesame time, each with its own window):

Phone Icon (2804)—disconnects the call;

Mute Button (2801)—mutes the call;

Device Button (2805)—switches to a different device, if configured inthe Options menu;

Volume Button (2802)—raise or lower the call volume;

Dial pad (2806)—brings up a mini-dial pad for use in the call;

Invite (2807)—open the Group Call dialog window;

Merge Calls (2808)—when participating in multiple calls, click this tomerge into a single call; in some embodiments, the user can be asked to“Merge All Calls with This” or “Merge Selected Calls” with this; the“Merge Selected Calls” will bring up a dialog window showing activecalls that can be merged (after starting a group call, the user candisconnect individual participants by right-clicking their name andselecting “Remove”);

Hold (2809)—pause connection, playing music to the other participants;and

Transfer (2803)—detach from the call, transferring control to a thirdparty (e.g., a dialog window is displayed with a clickable list of theuser's contacts with a search box to enter non-contact numbers).

Hoot Functionality Tab (FIG. 29)

FIG. 29 shows a screenshot of an exemplary Hoot functionalities. In someembodiments, Hoots are automatically initiated and they are alwaysconnected.

Hoot Connections

In some embodiments, BLAST buttons (2901) allow the user to group theirDirect Connections and SHOUT to multiple Hoot Connections that are in alike-colored Blast Group at a single time. In some embodiments, addinguser can add Directs to Blast Groups. For example, the inventive clientof the present invention is programmed to allow to create a group ofusers and add them to a single “hoot” so that each user can hear when amember of the group is shouting or the group is being shouted at. Forexample, an administrator-user can create a “team hoot” called DRWNatural Gas and then add any DRW employee who is on the Nat Gas team tothat hoot. That team hoot would appear in the on-net directory and anybroker permissioned to speak to DRW Nat Gas Team would only need to pushone button to shout down to any number of DRW employees. Each DRWemployee will hear the broker shouting and any employee can respondback. In some embodiments, Team Hoots can be created based on rolesand/or types of users (e.g., trading team, brokerage team, etc).

In some embodiments, the button (2902) allows the user to Mute All ofuser's Hoots.

Hoot Connection Boxes

The eight connection boxes (e.g., 2907) below the BLAST and Mute Allbuttons display Hoots that the user has added.

In some embodiments, Active Hoot connections are color-coded (e.g.,green border when shouting and a red border when muted).

In some embodiments, Hoots are shown below the Blast Buttons on the HOOTTab and have a green icon next to the direct connection's name if theother user is online.

In some embodiments, Hoots are shown in an inactive (grayed out) stateif the counterparty is offline.

In some embodiments, Hoots automatically re-connect in the event of anetwork failure.

In some embodiments, Hoots cannot be manually disconnected, to end ahoot connection the user needs to be removed from a Command Portal.

In some embodiments, Hoots can be converted to Ringdown directconnections on the Command Portal (i.e., this ends user's connection andthe user will have to reconnect on the Ringdown tab).

Exemplary Hoot Connection Window Buttons

HotKey—pressing the assigned key combination will activate SHOUTfunctionality (2903 and 2904):

Shout active (2903)—the user's voice is heard;

Shout inactive (2904)—the user's voice is not heard;

SHOUT (2903)—clicking and holding SHOUT unmutes a microphone, releasingthe button mutes your microphone.

Star Buttons (2905)—allow the user to toggle contact membership in aBlast Group. For example, the user can SHOUT to all members of a BlastGroup by clicking the corresponding Blast button (e.g., the same color)at the top of the panel.

Blast Buttons (2901)—each contact can be a member of a Blast Group;numbers on the button show how many contacts belong to that group.

Mute All (2902)—allows the user to mute all connections at once if inthe continuous mode.

Device Button (2906)—switches between configured audio devices.

Mute Button (2907)—mutes the audio to this connection.

Volume Button (2908)—adjust volume for user's microphone and speaker.

Ringdown Functionality (FIG. 30)

FIG. 30 shows a screenshot of an exemplary Ringdown Tab functionalities.

Ringdown Connections

Ringdowns are Direct Connections which are active only on-demand. Insome embodiments, Ringdown connections (e.g., the exemplary connection3007) can be established by clicking on the Ringdown connect button nextto contact name. For example, a Ringdown connection has staticallyconfigured endpoints and does not require dialing to connect calls. Insome embodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention utilize color-coded pattern such as the Ringdown connectbutton (3001) turns red on connection and a connection panel (3007)appears above user list.

In some embodiments, Ringdowns can be manually disconnected by clickingthe red people icon (3002) on the active connection box. When theringdown is disconnected, the button will turn green again. In someembodiments, Ringdowns only have a green connect icon when theconnection is active. Otherwise the icon is gray.

In some embodiments, Ringdowns will not automatically re-connect in theevent of a network failure. The user needs to re-connect manually.

In some embodiments, Ringdowns can be converted to Hoot connection onthe Command Panel (this will disconnect the connection and startautomatically as Hoot as long as the counterparty agrees to modify hisconnection to a Hoot).

In some embodiments, Each of the Hoot connection can have a red or greenconnection status to indicate if the other user is online or offline.

Exemplary Ringdown Connection Window Buttons

Ringdown Connect Button (3001)—used to establish a Ringdown connection.

Disconnect Button (3002) disconnects established Ringdown connection.

Group Chat (3003)—used to establish a group call.

Volume Button (3004)—adjust volume for microphone and speaker.

Mute Button (3005)—mute the audio to this connection.

Device Button (3006)—switches between configured audio devices.

Detachable Tabs

In some embodiments, the user can detach tabs from the main window tobetter adjust the user's workspace by clicking a detach icon (2909) onthe tab. To reattach the tab, the user can click on the reattach icon orthe key icon (2910).

Hoot Tab Detached

In some embodiments, for example, the Hoot tab can be programmed todetach with the number of configured hoots in packs of X numbers (e.g.,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more). For example, as shown in ascreenshot of FIG. 20, if the user only has twelve hoots, the user seesone pack with eight and another with four.

Ringdown Tab Detached

For example, a screenshot of FIG. 31 shows Ringdown tab detachment.

Phone Tab Detached

For example, a screenshot of FIG. 32 shows a Phone Tab detachment.

Toggle between compact mode and full screen mode

In some embodiments, the inventive soft telephone client of the presentinvention is programmed/configured to permit users to toggle (i.e.,switch back and forth) between a compact version of the inventive client(a screenshot of FIG. 33) and the full screen mode (FIG. 22).

Further Illustrative Operating Environments

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of an environment in which the presentinvention may operate. However, not all of these components may berequired to practice the invention, and variations in the arrangementand type of the components may be made without departing from the spiritor scope of the present invention. In some embodiment, the inventivesystems of the instant invention can process information for a largenumber of users (e.g., at least 100; at least 1000; at least 10,000; atleast 10,000; at least 100,000; at least 1,000,000, etc.) and concurrenttransactions/connections (e.g., at least 10,000; at least 100,000; atleast 1,000,000, etc.). In other embodiments, the system and method arebased on a scalable computer and network architecture that incorporatesvaries strategies for assessing the data, caching, searching, anddatabase connection pooling. An example of the scalable architecture isan architecture that is capable of operating multiple servers.

In embodiments, members of the computer system 102-104 include virtuallyany computing device capable of receiving and sending a message over anetwork, such as network 105, to and from another computing device, suchas servers 106 and 107, each other, and the like. In embodiments, theset of such devices includes devices that typically connect using awired communications medium such as personal computers, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, and the like. In embodiments, the set of such devices alsoincludes devices that typically connect using a wireless communicationsmedium such as cell phones, smart phones, pagers, walkie talkies, radiofrequency (RF) devices, infrared (IR) devices, CBs, integrated devicescombining one or more of the preceding devices, or virtually any mobiledevice, and the like. Similarly, in embodiments, client devices 102-104are any device that is capable of connecting using a wired or wirelesscommunication medium such as a PDA, POCKET PC, wearable computer, andany other device that is equipped to communicate over a wired and/orwireless communication medium.

In embodiments, each member device within member devices 102-104 mayinclude a browser application that is configured to receive and to sendweb pages, and the like. In embodiments, the browser application may beconfigured to receive and display graphics, text, multimedia, and thelike, employing virtually any web based language, including, but notlimited to Standard Generalized Markup Language (SMGL), such asHyperText Markup Language (HTML), a wireless application protocol (WAP),a Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML), such as Wireless MarkupLanguage (WML), WMLScript, XML, JavaScript, and the like. In someembodiments, programming may include either Java, .Net, QT, C, C++ orother suitable programming language.

In embodiments, member devices 102-104 may be further configured toreceive a message from another computing device employing anothermechanism, including, but not limited to email, Short Message Service(SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), instant messaging (IM),internet relay chat (IRC), mIRC, Jabber, and the like or a Proprietaryprotocol.

In embodiments, network 105 may be configured to couple one computingdevice to another computing device to enable them to communicate. Insome embodiments, network 105 may be enabled to employ any form ofcomputer readable media for communicating information from oneelectronic device to another. Also, in embodiments, network 105 mayinclude a wireless interface, and/or a wired interface, such as theInternet, in addition to local area networks (LANs), wide area networks(WANs), direct connections, such as through a universal serial bus (USB)port, other forms of computer-readable media, or any combinationthereof. In embodiments, on an interconnected set of LANs, includingthose based on differing architectures and protocols, a router may actas a link between LANs, enabling messages to be sent from one toanother.

Also, in some embodiments, communication links within LANs typicallyinclude twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while communication linksbetween networks may utilize analog telephone lines, full or fractionaldedicated digital lines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, IntegratedServices Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs),wireless links including satellite links, or other communications linksknown to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, in some embodiments,remote computers and other related electronic devices could be remotelyconnected to either LANs or WANs via a modem and temporary telephonelink. In essence, in some embodiments, network 105 includes anycommunication method by which information may travel between clientdevices 102-104, and servers 106 and 107.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary embodiment of the computer and networkarchitecture that supports the method and system. The member devices 202a, 202 b thru 202 n shown each at least includes a computer-readablemedium, such as a random access memory (RAM) 208 coupled to a processor210 or FLASH memory. The processor 210 may execute computer-executableprogram instructions stored in memory 208. Such processors comprise amicroprocessor, an ASIC, and state machines. Such processors comprise,or may be in communication with, media, for example computer-readablemedia, which stores instructions that, when executed by the processor,cause the processor to perform the steps described herein. Embodimentsof computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, anelectronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or transmission devicecapable of providing a processor, such as the processor 210 of client202 a, with computer-readable instructions. Other examples of suitablemedia may include, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD,magnetic disk, memory chip, ROM, RAM, an ASIC, a configured processor,all optical media, all magnetic tape or other magnetic media, or anyother medium from which a computer processor can read instructions.Also, various other forms of computer-readable media may transmit orcarry instructions to a computer, including a router, private or publicnetwork, or other transmission device or channel, both wired andwireless. The instructions may comprise code from anycomputer-programming language, including, for example, C, C++, VisualBasic, Java, Python, Perl, and JavaScript.

Member devices 202 a-n may also comprise a number of external orinternal devices such as a mouse, a CD-ROM, DVD, a keyboard, a display,or other input or output devices. Examples of client devices 202 a-n maybe personal computers, digital assistants, personal digital assistants,cellular phones, mobile phones, smart phones, pagers, digital tablets,laptop computers, Internet appliances, and other processor-baseddevices. In general, a client device 202 a may be any type ofprocessor-based platform that is connected to a network 206 and thatinteracts with one or more application programs. Client devices 202 a-nmay operate on any operating system capable of supporting a browser orbrowser-enabled application, such as Microsoft™, Windows™, or Linux. Theclient devices 202 a-n shown may include, for example, personalcomputers executing a browser application program such as MicrosoftCorporation's Internet Explorer™, Apple Computer, Inc.'s Safari™,Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. Through the client devices 202 a-n, users,212 a-n communicate over the network 206 with each other and with othersystems and devices coupled to the network 206. As shown in FIG. 1B,server devices 204 and 213 may be also coupled to the network 206.

In some embodiments, the term “mobile electronic device” may refer toany portable electronic device that may or may not be enabled withlocation tracking functionality. For example, a mobile electronic devicecan include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA), Blackberry™, Pager, Smartphone, or any other reasonablemobile electronic device. For ease, at times the above variations arenot listed or are only partially listed, this is in no way meant to be alimitation.

In some embodiments, the terms “proximity detection,” “locating,”“location data,” “location information,” and “location tracking” as usedherein may refer to any form of location tracking technology or locatingmethod that can be used to provide a location of a mobile electronicdevice, such as, but not limited to, at least one of locationinformation manually input by a user, such as, but not limited toentering the city, town, municipality, zip code, area code, crossstreets, or by any other reasonable entry to determine a geographicalarea; Global Positions Systems (GPS); GPS accessed using Bluetooth™; GPSaccessed using any reasonable form of wireless and/or non-wirelesscommunication; WiFi™ server location data; Bluetooth™ based locationdata; triangulation such as, but not limited to, network basedtriangulation, WiFi™ server information based triangulation, Bluetooth™server information based triangulation; Cell Identification basedtriangulation, Enhanced Cell Identification based triangulation,Uplink-Time difference of arrival (U-TDOA) based triangulation, Time ofarrival (TOA) based triangulation, Angle of arrival (AOA) basedtriangulation; techniques and systems using a geographic coordinatesystem such as, but not limited to, longitudinal and latitudinal based,geodesic height based, cartesian coordinates based; Radio FrequencyIdentification such as, but not limited to, Long range RFID, Short rangeRFID; using any form of RFID tag such as, but not limited to active RFIDtags, passive RFID tags, battery assisted passive RFID tags; or anyother reasonable way to determine location. For ease, at times the abovevariations are not listed or are only partially listed, this is in noway meant to be a limitation.

In some embodiments, near-field wireless communication (NFC) canrepresent a short-range wireless communications technology in whichNFC-enabled devices are “swiped,” “bumped,” “tap” or otherwise moved inclose proximity to communicate. In some embodiments, NFC could include aset of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distanceof 10 cm or less.

In some embodiments, NFC may operate at 13.56 MHz on ISO/IEC 18000-3 airinterface and at rates ranging from 106 kbit/s to 424 kbit/s. In someembodiments, NFC can involve an initiator and a target; the initiatoractively generates an RF field that can power a passive target. In someembodiment, this can enable NFC targets to take very simple form factorssuch as tags, stickers, key fobs, or cards that do not requirebatteries. In some embodiments, NFC peer-to-peer communication can beconducted when a plurality of NFC-enable devices within close proximityof each other.

For purposes of the instant description, the terms “cloud,” “Internetcloud,” “cloud computing,” “cloud architecture,” and similar termscorrespond to at least one of the following: (1) a large number ofcomputers connected through a real-time communication network (e.g.,Internet); (2) providing the ability to run a program or application onmany connected computers (e.g., physical machines, virtual machines(VMs)) at the same time; (3) network-based services, which appear to beprovided by real server hardware, and are in fact served up by virtualhardware (e.g., virtual servers), simulated by software running on oneor more real machines (e.g., allowing to be moved around and scaled up(or down) on the fly without affecting the end user). In someembodiments, the instant invention offers/manages the cloudcomputing/architecture as, but not limiting to: infrastructure a service(IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), and software as a service (SaaS).FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate schematics of exemplary implementations ofthe cloud computing/architecture.

Of note, the embodiments described herein may, of course, be implementedusing any appropriate computer system hardware and/or computer systemsoftware. In this regard, those of ordinary skill in the art are wellversed in the type of computer hardware that may be used (e.g., amainframe, a mini-computer, a personal computer (“PC”), a network (e.g.,an intranet and/or the internet)), the type of computer programmingtechniques that may be used (e.g., object oriented programming), and thetype of computer programming languages that may be used (e.g., C++,Basic, AJAX, Javascript). The aforementioned examples are, of course,illustrative and not restrictive.

In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for acomputer-implemented method, including: causing, by a specificallyprogrammed computer call management communication system, to transform,over a computer network, a plurality of computing devices of a pluralityof users, into a corresponding plurality of specialized call managementdevices, by having each computing device to execute a specialized callmanagement client software application being in electronic communicationwith the specifically programmed computer call management communicationsystem over the computer network by utilizing at least a sessioninitiation protocol (SIP); where the specialized call management clientsoftware application, upon the execution, generates a plurality ofspecialized graphical user interfaces configured to allow each user ofthe plurality of users to concurrently initiate and maintain, over thecomputer network, a plurality of voice communications of distinct typeswith other users based, at least in part, on: maintaining each voicecommunication independent from another voice communication; generatingan individual visual control panel for each voice communication of theplurality of voice communications, where the individual visual controlpanel comprises: a plurality of visual audio device control icons whichare respectfully programmed, upon selection, to: i) independently anddynamically divert, in real-time, any voice communication of any type toany audio device associated with a corresponding specialized callmanagement device of such user; ii) independently manage, in real time,each voice communication by at least: 1) putting such voicecommunication on hold, 2) muting such voice communication, 3) unmutingsuch voice communication, 4) joining a particular voice communicationwith at least one other voice communication, 5) disjoining theparticular voice communication from the at least one other voicecommunication, 6) allowing independent interaction by each user with theparticular voice communication, and 7) enabling each user to select foreach voice communication a particular communication mode, where theparticular communication mode is one of a) a push-to-talk mode and b) acontinuous talk mode; where the individual visual control panel for eachvoice communication is configured to be detachable from a parent windowof the specialized call management client software application so thateach user can move the individual visual control panel to any locationon a screen of a respective specialized call management device; andwhere the plurality of voice communications comprise voicecommunications of at least one of the following connection types: i) adialed phone connection, ii) a Hoot connection, and iii) a Ringdownconnection.

In some embodiments, the exemplary computer-implemented method of thepresent invention further includes: encrypting, by the specialized callmanagement client software application, each voice communication of theplurality of voice communications.

In some embodiments, the exemplary computer-implemented method of thepresent invention further includes: tracking, in real-time, by thespecifically programmed computer call management communication system,the plurality of voice communications to generate call history and usestatistics on real-time basis; and causing to display, by thespecifically programmed computer call management communication system,at least one automatically updatable visual dashboard configured topresent the call history and the use statistics to an administratoruser.

In some embodiments, the exemplary computer-implemented method of thepresent invention further includes: transcribing, in real-time, by thespecialized call management client software application, each voicecommunication.

In some embodiments, the exemplary computer-implemented method of thepresent invention further includes: data mining, in real-time, by thespecifically programmed computer call management communication system,the transcribed voice communications based on at least onepre-determined parameter.

In some embodiments, the plurality of users are securities tradingprofessionals and where the at least one pre-determined parameter isassociated with at least one trading compliance requirement.

In some embodiments, the exemplary computer-implemented method of thepresent invention further includes: outputting, in real-time, by thespecialized call management client software application, the transcribedvoice communications of a particular time length into a chat box. Insome embodiments, the particular time length is between 5 and 30seconds.

In some embodiments, the exemplary specialized call management clientsoftware application is further programmed to: enable, each user, tocreate, in real-time, a group of users utilizing a plurality of Hootconnections; and broadcast, in real-time, at least one voicecommunication to the group of users utilizing the plurality of Hootconnections.

In some embodiments, the exemplary specialized call management clientsoftware application is further programmed to enable each user to switchbetween a minimized display of the plurality of specialized graphicaluser interfaces and a full-screen display of the plurality ofspecialized graphical user interfaces; where the minimized displayoccupies a portion of a screen of each respective specialized callmanagement device of a particular user; and where the full-screendisplay occupies the entire screen of such respective specialized callmanagement device of the particular user.

In some embodiments, the instant invention provides for a specificallyprogrammed computer call management communication system, having atleast the following modules: at least one specialized serverspecifically programmed with specialized call management softwareapplication stored on a non-transient computer readable medium, wherethe specialized server, upon execution of the specialized callmanagement software application is configured to at least perform:causing to transform, over a computer network, a plurality of computingdevices of a plurality of users, into a corresponding plurality ofspecialized call management devices, by having each computing device toexecute a specialized call management client software application beingin electronic communication with the specifically programmed computercall management communication system over the computer network byutilizing at least a session initiation protocol (SIP); where thespecialized call management client software application, upon theexecution, generates a plurality of specialized graphical userinterfaces configured to allow each user of the plurality of users toconcurrently initiate and maintain, over the computer network, aplurality of voice communications of distinct types with other usersbased, at least in part, on: maintaining each voice communicationindependent from another voice communication; generating an individualvisual control panel for each voice communication of the plurality ofvoice communications, where the individual visual control panelcomprises: a plurality of visual audio device control icons which arerespectfully programmed, upon selection, to: i) independently anddynamically divert, in real-time, any voice communication of any type toany audio device associated with a corresponding specialized callmanagement device of such user; ii) independently manage, in real time,each voice communication by at least: 1) putting such voicecommunication on hold, 2) muting such voice communication, 3) unmutingsuch voice communication, 4) joining a particular voice communicationwith at least one other voice communication, 5) disjoining theparticular voice communication from the at least one other voicecommunication, 6) allowing independent interaction by each user with theparticular voice communication, and 7) enabling each user to select foreach voice communication a particular communication mode, where theparticular communication mode is one of a) a push-to-talk mode and b) acontinuous talk mode; where the individual visual control panel for eachvoice communication is configured to be detachable from a parent windowof the specialized call management client software application so thateach user can move the individual visual control panel to any locationon a screen of a respective specialized call management device; andwhere the plurality of voice communications comprise voicecommunications of at least one of the following connection types: i) adialed phone connection, ii) a Hoot connection, and iii) a Ringdownconnection.

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrativeonly, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further still, thevarious steps may be carried out in any desired order (and any desiredsteps may be added and/or any desired steps may be eliminated).

What is claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:causing, by a specifically programmed computer call managementcommunication system, to transform, over a computer network, a pluralityof computing devices of a plurality of users, into a correspondingplurality of specialized call management devices, by having eachcomputing device to execute a specialized call management clientsoftware application being in electronic communication with thespecifically programmed computer call management communication systemover the computer network; wherein the specialized call managementclient software application, upon the execution, generates a pluralityof specialized graphical user interfaces configured to allow each userof the plurality of users to concurrently initiate and maintain, overthe computer network, a plurality of voice communications of distincttypes with other users based, at least in part, on: maintaining eachvoice communication independent from another voice communication; andwherein the plurality of voice communications comprise voicecommunications of at least one of the following connection types: i) adialed phone connection, ii) a Hoot connection, and iii) a Ringdownconnection.